Description
Dual CS 506-1 A 1980s Classic In 1979, Dual launched the CS 506. It had a chassis isolated by four springs, belt drive, selectable 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, a clever pitch adjuster and strobe light to get the speed spot-on, Duals ULM (Ultra Low Mass) arm, with damped cuing lever, and a featherweight cartridge, made for Dual by Ortofon. In 1980, Dual released a CS 506-1 with some detail engineering improvements, together with a stripped-down, cheaper version called the CS 505. With a price of just £75 in the UK, the CS 505 became a best seller. Together with the NAD 3020 amplifier, these were the discerning choice for hi-fi enthusiasts on a budget. The CS 506-1 was the same, just with a heavier platter and the strobe light. History With the exception of a cartridge upgrade to a Dual DN 165E (similar to Ortofon OM 20) this record player was set up once and remained on the same shelf, in the same room, used and enjoyed for 10 years. When it was eventually replaced with something more high-end, the Dual was carefully removed, packed in its original box and stowed in the attic in case it came in useful again. There it remained untouched for 30 years. Cosmetic Condition Condition has benefitted from being set up on one place and not moved again until it was packed away. I probably handled it more when taking pictures for this listing than it has been for 40 years. However, it was used and very much enjoyed and there is evidence of that use. You will notice: Abrasions in the paint finish. This was a warm dark grey paint over a plastic plinth and didnt take much wear.Abrasions in the acrylic lid. The record player was on a shelf, in the open, things were put on it. Other than that, the record player has been well kept in very good condition: the acrylic lid is not cracked or broken and the hinges are in good order. Since taking the pictures, I have also found the 45 RPM single spindle adapter. Functional Condition When I first unpacked the Dual, connected it to the mains, and swung the tonearm across ... nothing happened. With reference to the service manuals Dual 506, December 1979 and supplement Dual 505/506-1 June 1980, I ordered the correct lubricants and a new set of belts from Dual expert, DualFred in Germany, and set about a complete service. This comprised: Stripping apart any components with lubrication points as indicated in the service manuals, cleaning them with IPA and lubricating them with the correct oil and grease.Stripping apart the motor, cleaning the tone adjust spindle and motor bearings with IPA and re-assembling with light machine oil.Stripping apart the main bearing, cleaning with IPA and re-assembling with the correct Renotac sticky oil.Removing (de-soldering) the switch plate components, measuring them, and replacing resistors and capacitors that were out of specification with identical (or near identical) replacement parts.Re-assembling all the above with a new drive belt and pitch adjustment belt (OE parts).Tracing a low frequency hum to broken earth continuity in one RCA connector, and replacing both RCA connectors with REAN NYS373 with the same colour codes as the originals.Checking the wear on the stylus with a microscope.Following the service and repairs, I tested the Dual with a NAD 7020 receiver and a pair of Monitor Audio 252s. It sounded clean, had very little mechanical noise, with warm mid-tones and solid percussion with rock and jazz. The highlight of the test was a 56 year old copy of Handels Messiah (EMI/Mackerras) in which Janet Bakers voice sounded wonderfully clear and expressive. I sat and listened with delight to the end of the record. I would be delighted to demonstrate it to anyone collecting in person. Reason for Sale Im de-cluttering. The attic floor is groaning under the weight of stuff kept in case it came in useful again. Time to put it to better use. This is a nice, clean, well-kept, recently serviced example of a Dual CS 506-1 that deserves to be in use and enjoyed. Packing and Post While I am happy to post it, any record player is a delicate instrument. If you can, better to collect it in person. Prices quoted for post are for Royal Mail Tracked with Signature, according to the Royal Mail Online Prices PDF, dated 12 July 2023. International Post To international buyers, I am relying on eBays Global Shipping Program for international post. This is where I simply post it to a UK warehouse and eBay take responsibility for the entire shipment from that point on: customs declaration, customs fees, shipping and delivery. I dont get to see or calculate those prices or delivery dates, but you do. I will simply promise to despatch it within 2 days of receiving payment in full.
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